The highly anticipated Danjiang Bridge, the world’s largest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, is set to open to traffic in May, marking a new chapter in transportation development in northern Taiwan. As a local university in Tamsui, Tamkang University has not only provided professional support but also actively participated in major community events. On April 16, Administrative Vice President Chun-Hung Lin, Dean of Student Affairs Shih-Jung Wu, Dean of General Affairs Ruey-Shiang Shaw, Chair of the Department of Architecture Chun-Jung Ko, Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering Yung-Shan Hong, and other faculty and staff were invited to preview the new landmark connecting Tamsui and Bali. They were guided by alumnus Ming-Tang Chan, Executive Vice President of Kung Sing Engineering Corporation, who explained the achievements of this major national infrastructure project.

Behind this landmark structure, Tamkang’s faculty contributed professional expertise throughout its development. During the early stages, Yung-Shan Hong served as a member of the project’s integrity oversight committee, providing technical recommendations during construction. Earlier this year, strong northeast monsoon winds caused structural resonance in the pedestrian railing, generating wind-induced noise that affected nearby residents. Commissioned by the Directorate General of Highways, MOTC, the university’s Wind Engineering Research Center, led by Associate Professor Jen-Mu Wang, conducted wind tunnel testing and proposed mitigation measures. Their analysis recommended the short-term installation of noise-dampening strips, capable of reducing wind noise by over 30 decibels, and a long-term plan to adopt aluminum clamping plates after the bridge opens to further optimize performance.

Beyond technical support, faculty and students also actively participated in local celebrations. On April 17, during the “Tamsui–Bali: Bridging to the Future” inauguration series hosted by the district offices, Dean of General Affairs Ruey-Shiang Shaw and Secretary-General Yu-Pei Ma led more than 20 colleagues to join nearly ten thousand participants in walking across the bridge. Attendees expressed admiration for the bridge as a world-class landmark that combines advanced engineering with architectural aesthetics, and looked forward to significantly reduced travel time between Tamsui and Bali, enhancing both university operations and local daily life.

Danjiang Bridge was designed by the team of internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid, inspired by the flowing form of a “Cloud Gate dancer.” Its 211-meter-tall “prayer-hands” tower accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and light rail transit. The structure is also carefully designed to minimize obstruction of the famous “Tamsui sunset,” symbolically resembling hands in prayer before Guanyin Mountain, offering blessings to Taiwan and the citizens of the Taipei metropolitan area.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG09 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

---